The Independent View: Bloomberg Climate Change and Renewable Update

Today, Mike Bloomberg, the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Climate Action, announced that for the Second year in a row he will make up the Funding Gap left by the United States Federal Government and provide $5.5 Million to the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat to ensure it can continue its Critical Work empowering Countries to meet the Paris Goals. Mike's Donation, along with the $4.5 Million he contributed last year for the same purpose, brings his Support of this Agreement to Fight Climate Change to a total of $10 Million in the past Two years.

In Mike's words: “The United States made a promise to meet the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement – and if the federal government won’t hold up our end of the deal, then the American people must. As mayors, governors, business leaders, and private citizens across the country work to ensure that we meet our climate targets, our foundation will again cover the difference in federal funding to the United Nations. Together, we’re sending a loud, clear message to the rest of the world: regardless of what’s happening in Washington, we’re in this fight with you.”

The Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge gives 25 ambitious Cities the Support needed to significantly Deepen and Accelerate their Efforts to tackle Climate Change and Promote a Sustainable Future for their Residents.

Stay up to date on a Few Cities' most Recent Progress:

- Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced a New Initiative, the Bus Priority Zones Program, to Complement his Commitment to Extend the City's Transit Development Policy to Prioritize Bus Service. The Plans for the First of this Series of Projects, which is to be Completed in 2019, will not only Prioritize CTA Bus Service, but also Enhance Pedestrian Safety and Improve the Flow of Traffic along some of the City’s most Heavily Traveled areas.

Through the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge, Chicago and other Cities are taking Steps to Improve the Safety and Accessibility of Low-Carbon Transit Options. CLICK HERE to read about the City's Plans.

- St. Petersburg, FL Mayor Rick Kriseman announced that the City Finalized its Climate Action Plan. With an emphasis on Equity, the Plan includes creating a Community Solar Program to provide Clean, Low-Cost Power to Low-Income Residents. CLICK HERE to read about St. Petersburg's Progress.

- For its Plans to Improve Energy Efficiency, Expand Solar Power, and Accelerate EV Adoption, Saint Louis, MI was named a Winner of the American Cities Climate Challenge. Mayor Lyda Krewson presented the City's Two-Year Report, outlining the City’s Progress towards their Goal of Transitions to 100% Clean Energy by 2035. CLICK HERE to Learn more.

- Under Mayor Kevin Faulconer, San Diego, CA is making Progress towards one of its aims: to make Public and Active Transportation easier choices for San Diegans. Recently, the City Council Voted 8-1 to Eliminate Parking Requirements for New Condominium and Apartment Complexes in Neighborhoods near Public Transportation. CLICK HERE to read more about the City's efforts to Propel the City to its 100% Renewable Energy Goal.

The Spring 2019 Edition of Oceana Magazine highlights the work Mike Supports, through Bloomberg Philanthropies, to Protect Oceans around the World.

As the Oceana Magazine Editors write: "At Oceana, we are on track to save the oceans and feed the world in no small part because of the vision, determination and generosity of Bloomberg Philanthropies and its benefactor, Michael Bloomberg. In 2014, Oceana became part of their Vibrant Oceans Initiative, which was launched with an initial commitment of $53 million to protect marine ecosystems in three major ocean countries: Brazil, Chile and the Philippines."

In October 2018, Bloomberg Philanthropies announced Phase II of Vibrant Oceans, making an $86 Million Investment to Expand Work into 10 Target Countries: Australia, the Bahamas, Chile, Fiji, French Polynesia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Tanzania, Peru, and the United States. Bloomberg selected these Countries because they are Home to Priority Coral Geographies, are Top Fishing Nations, or are Countries where Fish is a Major Food Source, or all three.

In Bloomberg Philanthropies Environment Team's Antha Williams' words: "As we deal with the impacts of climate change, the ocean is an ever more critical resource. We must protect it. The Vibrant Oceans Initiative — through its support of Oceana and other partners — has helped to win important policy victories in Chile and the Philippines. We will build on this success with Vibrant Oceans II.” CLICK HERE to read the 36 page (pdf) Spring 2019 Oceana Magazine.